Codex Mini vs Llama 3.1 405B
Codex Mini vs Llama 3.1 405B: Codex Mini is cheaper for input-heavy usage ($1.50/M vs $3.50/M input tokens), while Codex Mini is better for long-context tasks (200,000 tokens).
Direct answer: choose Codex Mini for lower token spend and choose Codex Mini when your workload needs longer context.
Compare input and output token pricing, context windows, and monthly cost estimates on one page so you can pick the cheaper model fast.
Cost Comparison (1000 input + 500 output tokens, 100 requests/day)
Codex Mini
Llama 3.1 405B
Cost Differences
Llama 3.1 405B costs more than Codex Mini
Quick Recommendation
Winner for direct API pricing: Codex Mini. At the default workload, Codex Mini saves about $2.25/month ($27.375/year) versus Llama 3.1 405B.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Codex Mini | Llama 3.1 405B |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | OpenAI | Meta (via Together AI) |
| Input Price | $1.50/1M tokens | $3.50/1M tokens |
| Output Price | $6.00/1M tokens | $3.50/1M tokens |
| Context Window | 200,000 tokens | 128,000 tokens |
| Max Output | 32,768 tokens | 32,768 tokens |
| Category | efficient | flagship |
| Capabilities | textcodereasoning | textcodereasoning |
| Release Date | 2/2/2026 | 7/23/2024 |
Codex Mini vs Llama 3.1 405B: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Codex Mini and Llama 3.1 405B depends on your priorities: cost efficiency, context length, or raw capability. Llama 3.1 405B is the more affordable option at $3.50/1M input tokens. Meanwhile, Codex Mini offers a significantly larger context window at 200,000 tokens vs 128,000 for Llama 3.1 405B.
These models come from different providers — OpenAI and Meta (via Together AI) — which means different API ecosystems, SDKs, rate limits, and terms of service. If you're already integrated with OpenAI, switching to Meta (via Together AI)involves migration effort beyond just pricing. Factor in your existing infrastructure when deciding.
These models target different tiers: Codex Mini is a efficient model while Llama 3.1 405B is flagship. This means they're optimized for different workloads. Llama 3.1 405B targets more demanding workloads, while Codex Mini provides a cost-effective option for everyday tasks.
Output costs matter too. Codex Mini charges $6.00/1M output tokens vs $3.50 for Llama 3.1 405B. For generation-heavy workloads (content creation, code generation, summarization), output pricing often dominates your bill. Llama 3.1 405B has the edge here at $3.50/1M output tokens.
Best Use Cases
Choose Codex Mini when:
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You need a larger context window (200,000 tokens)
- • You're already using OpenAI's API ecosystem
- • You're running high-volume, latency-sensitive workloads
Choose Llama 3.1 405B when:
- • You're already using Meta (via Together AI)'s API ecosystem
Pros and Caveats at a Glance
Codex Mini
- • Input pricing: $1.50/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $6.00/M tokens
- • Context window: 200,000 tokens
- • Max output: 32,768 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher output cost than Llama 3.1 405B
Llama 3.1 405B
- • Input pricing: $3.50/M tokens
- • Output pricing: $3.50/M tokens
- • Context window: 128,000 tokens
- • Max output: 32,768 tokens
Watch out for
- • Higher input cost than Codex Mini
- • Smaller context window than Codex Mini
Try Different Scenarios
Use the calculator below to see how costs change with different usage patterns
Codex Mini (OpenAI)
Llama 3.1 405B (Meta (via Together AI))
Start using Codex Mini today
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Sign Up for Meta (via Together AI) →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Codex Mini or Llama 3.1 405B?▼
What is the context window difference between Codex Mini and Llama 3.1 405B?▼
Which model is better for AI Agent / Agentic Workflows?▼
Which model has better overall pricing for heavy usage?▼
Where can I compare OpenAI and Meta (via Together AI) API pricing beyond this model matchup?▼
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